Decisions.....Decisions

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Hi.....new hereThe only welder I've ever used is the Hobart TRU 230/140, and never had many hours on it.....long story short, it's gone so I'm in the market for a new welder.I started out looking at the Hobart SM 210i, then at the HH 210 MVP and the the Miller 215......prices just kept going up...hahaAs far as welding experience, I've never done a lot.....home repairs, DYI projects etc......light to medium, 1/4 at the most.Having only somewhat limited experience, I'm struggling with whether to stay with a stick, get a mig or combo.The Hobart I had wasn't very accurate for setting the amps, and for a novice that gave me fits....sticking stick after stick...move it up a little and burn a hole....but in the end normally, whatever I welded held together......not very pretty, but the grinder helped.So, I thought maybe I needed a mig, but with no experience with them it's a hard decision.From where I started (HS 210i to the HH 210MVP to the MM 215).....the price has increased about 4x, once all the new consumables are added in.Again, having only done stick, I wasn'y sure if I went with mig if That was the right decision.....hence, looking at the very expensive MM 215.If I did do mig it would most likely be fluxcore only....;.;I have never done anything that required the "prettyness" of mig/gas.If anyone has been down this road moving away from stick to mig, (or sticking with stick) only, I would really like some insight.GreggHobart Handler 210 MVPHobart Stickmate 210i
Reply:Correction to above......I have welded 3/8 - 1/2 rebar....the 1/4 was plateGreggHobart Handler 210 MVPHobart Stickmate 210i
Reply:Add the gas. Much cleaner and prettier welds IMO. The mig is a no brainer. I only burn rods if I have toBrett
Reply:I wouldn't say I'm moving away from stick into MIG but I have the Lincoln 210 mp and I'm learning some MIG and flux core and TIG. I find MIG nicer for thin stuff but if I'm welding something thicker I still return to stick often with the 210 or an Idealarc 250.. That may only be because I've used stick for 50+ years so I am comfortable with it and I trust it where I don't necessarily trust "my" MIG. Many on here will likely tell you they can weld anything that I weld with stick with MIG, and I have no doubt many of "them" can. If you have the budget I'd seriously consider the Multimatic 215 or the Lincoln or ESAB's version. I'd choose whichever one is carried locally so it is easy to get consumables and service. That's my $0.02.P.S. The multi mode machines are not as nice as separate machines for each mode but they do let you choose within their limitations. i.e. duty cycle & no AC TIG for aluminum only MIGLast edited by Meltedmetal; 08-01-2018 at 05:14 PM.---Meltedmetal
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Originally Posted by Meltedmetal

I wouldn't say I'm moving away from stick into MIG but I have the Lincoln 210 mp and I'm learning some MIG and flux core and TIG. I find MIG nicer for thin stuff but if I'm welding something thicker I still return to stick often with the 210 or an Idealarc 250.. That may only be because I've used stick for 50+ years so I am comfortable with it and I trust it where I don't necessarily trust "my" MIG. Many on here will likely tell you they can weld anything that I weld with stick with MIG, and I have no doubt many of "them" can. If you have the budget I'd seriously consider the Multimatic 215 or the Lincoln or ESAB's version. I'd choose whichever one is carried locally so it is easy to get consumables and service. That's my $0.02.
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Originally Posted by Rangerhgm

The only thing I've welded over 3/8 is tacking some 1/2 rebar together for yard art....nothing that has much stress..I was hoping the 210 would handle that